Yanga-Mbiwa, who has three caps for his country, had been linked with Arsenal and AC Milan during the summer transfer window after impressing at the heart of his side's defence in their surprise title victory last season.

However, after selling off star striker Olivier Giroud to the Gunners, Montpellier managed to hold onto their skipper until January.

Yanga-Mbiwa featured during his side's Champions League campaign, which saw them finish bottom of a group containing Arsenal, Schalke 04 and Olympiakos.

And, despite reported late interest from the Gunners, Newcastle look set to capture the signature of the highly rated defender.

Toon boss Alan Pardew is under pressure after a desperate run of one win and six losses from their last seven league matches to leave last season's fifth-placed surprise package just two points above the drop zone.

Pardew will hope to pair Yanga-Mbiwa with Fabricio Coloccini in central defence, despite the Argentine's desire to move back to his homeland due troubles in his personal life.